Dogfight over Guadalcanal recreates the greatest aerial duel of all time. On August 7, 1942, American Navy pilot James “Pug” Sutherland and the Japanese Imperial Navy’s top ace, Saburo Sakai, clash in the skies above the tiny island of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific. It was a decisive moment in the evolution of fighter planes.
After a prolonged battle, Pug’s US fighter was hit and he bailed out, to survive and fight another day. How did Sakai get the better of him? And why did Pug not fire when he had his enemy in sight? To find out the truth, the show launches a three-pronged investigation. Historical analysis combined with the study of the wreckage of Pug’s plane and a modern day recreation of the duel, uncover the true story of the greatest dogfight ever.
A Cineflix/Windfall Films presentation.
Produced in association with Discovery Channel (Canada), Thirteen/WNET New York (US) and National Geographic (International).
Dogfight Over Guadalcanal
1 x 60 min
2006
